New c-store leader for Anheuser-Busch; new bottled water from Pepsi

ST. LOUIS -- Kevin Wilkerson has assumed the role of vice president of national retail sales for small format at Anheuser-Busch, CSP Daily News has learned.

Wilkerson fills the role vacated by Tony Gaines, who exited the company in November to take a position with electronic cigarette company LOGIC Technology.

In his new role, Wilkerson will be responsible for leading the convenience-, drug- and dollar-store teams.

A 15-year veteran of St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, Wilkerson most recently held the position of senior retail sales director, Anheuser-Busch Region 8, based in California, where he successfully aligned national and regional retail teams. He’s been a category manager, market manager, business analyst and pricing manager, in addition to spending time at an independent Anheuser-Busch distributor in Texas.

Water Qua-lity

Multiple reports show Pepsico in line to introduce a new premium bottled-water brand that would compete in the same space a Coca-Cola's smartwater and Nestle Waters' Resource, as well as other high-end bottled waters.

Tentatively named Qua, and previously tested as Om, the new water was passed out to attendees at this week's Golden Globes award ceremony.

A PepsiCo spokesperson told the Chicago Sun-Times that the company is still working out the kinks and that the name and design for Qua may change before it’s rolled out more broadly.